Dunstan Meets Mencia

For those who like romance and can manage without explicit sex.

Dunstan had seen the Palacio Real before with the same tour guide so was glad to be looking around without having to concentrate on the narrative. The party consisted of forty women artists of varying ages from all over Spain who work in a variety of media. The guide spoke of the paintings, sculptures and artists at great length in Spanish. Dunstan was busy with his camera and not paying much attention to the others nor the guide. She had already warned Dunstan that he would struggle to understand what she was saying with his poor Spanish. He was very happy with the arrangements as it allowed him to get lots of candid shots of the guests along with pictures of the magnificent building housing this wonderful collection of artworks.

After a few rooms of exquisite old masters they had strayed from the normal tourist areas and were standing in a room that Dunstan immediately recognised from the happiest day of his life, his wedding to Beatriz. The end was all so recent, the tragic loss when she was killed in an accident, her small car squashed between two huge lorries.

His heart started pounding in his chest as he took in his surroundings. He could see the crowd of familiar faces, the flowers, the two dozen soldiers in their smart uniforms making the arch and hear the hubbub from the family and friends astonished to be in such a privileged and breathtaking location. His skin prickled with the pleasant memories still so vivid. It all seemed so very real once more. That stunning borrowed dress came to his mind, black with lace panels hugging the contours of her body. Her body, slim and tall with the protuberance of seven months soon to be their son, León. The long dark blonde hair pulled back into a generous bun. Her perfume.

Her perfume? He could smell it. It was in the room with him. From the corner of his eye he saw the dark blonde hair tied up in a loose bun, underneath a black dress. Automatically he stretched his left arm out and let his hand rest on her far hip gently pulling her closer. He was back reliving the moment. She smelt devine, was warm, soft but firm and compliant, she was alive. His Beatriz was alive. She was turning her head to face him. He moved in for a kiss. He felt her warm breath on his skin. He was millimetres from her lips. The eyes. Something was wrong with the eyes. He felt her skin with his lips. The eyes were green, vivid green. They should be dark brown. The sudden realisation dawned that this wasn't Beatriz. He had made a terrible mistake. He was holding a woman he didn't know so very close, their bodies were touching in several places. His heart was pounding trying to break free from his chest. He was having trouble breathing.

"I'm so very sorry. I have made a terrible mistake, Por favor perdóname, no quise ofenderte." Dunstan stammered.

The warm inviting smile did not leave her face. She opened her mouth to speak but Dunstan had released her and was struggling to walk away, torrents of tears streaming down his face. He was seriously embarrassed and worse. The memories flooded back creating more pain. He was in agony as if stabbed in the heart. Standing at the window and looking out he was fighting to regain control. He had just had his worst moment since being told of Beatriz's death just three months ago. This was not something he had considered. He thought this was all behind him. His emotions were so intensely raw.

Despite this he still managed to think logically. Deep breaths were required. His pulse responded and stopped making its presence known in his temples. The pounding and tightness in his chest diminished. More deep breaths. His mind calmed and the vivid images of Beatriz stopped flashing across his eyes. He used his handkerchief to dry up his face. It was not possible to rid himself of the lingering smell of the perfume nor of those beautiful green eyes. He took his time to regain control. He did not give the tour a thought whilst he got himself together. When he was back to normal he remained where he was for another ten minutes looking out of the window though not seeing a thing. All of the images he saw were from his memory. Happy times. Unprompted recollections.

The party had moved on. Dunstan slowly walked across the room to find his group. They were three rooms on. Dunstan joined them at a distance, bit by bit edging into the group. His reappearance was greeted with a smile from the guide. He saw the woman with the bun and stayed on the other side of the room. He was not feeling brave enough to speak with her. It was another hour before the tour ended.

Dunstan felt a hand on his arm. He turned.

"Are you alright now?"

"Yes. I had a flashback. I was standing next to Beatriz and then I was confronted with green eyes. It was not her. I have made a fool of myself. It was too much, I was completely overwhelmed."

"You have done nothing wrong." She waved a hand at someone. "Mencia, por aqui por favor."

Dunstan was still relishing the hand on his arm. The comfort was very much required in his fragile state. The smell of the familiar perfume. It was back. She was standing close beside him, almost touching. He was frightened to look.

"Dunstan lamenta mucho haberte alarmado. Perdió a su esposa hace poco. Le trajiste recuerdos; aún está muy sensible."

The woman with green eyes put her hand on his other arm. Her touch was light and reassuring, emotional warmth emanated from her.

"You didn't offend me with your touch. And yes, I would have let you kiss me."

Dunstan blushed. Her hand went to the side of his face. There was a spark of electricity which they both felt.

"Here."

She moved her head to his and kissed him gently on the lips, a touch longer than one would have expected in the circumstance.

"Friends?"

Dunstan nodded, lost for words, unable to speak. The kiss, it was Beatriz yet he knew it was not. He was close to tears. He was being overwhelmed by emotions once more. She caressed his face then removed her hand much to his disappointment. She had lit a fire within.

"I am not staying for lunch. Perhaps we can have lunch another time." She smiled and Dunstan wilted, totally overcome. "Adios." She blew him a kiss as she departed.

In the car on the way out of the city Dunstan asked about the woman for the first time.

"Who was the woman who wants to have lunch with me?"

"Mencia Borbón López. She is a talented artist who prefers to sketch rather than paint. She has had many critically acclaimed exhibitions and published several books of her works. Her father owns several successful vineyards north of here. She is his only child, a fact everyone is very much aware of. She has been courted by most of the eligible bachelors in Spain but has found no one to her liking. Her parents are frustrated by her lack of a partner. They are desperate for grandchildren to keep the family line going and have exhausted the prominent Spanish lineages. She is an independent spirit. I love her to bits."

Dunstan sat and reflected on this.

"Why has it taken you so long to ask after her? She is well worth having lunch with. If you don't reach out to her I expect her to come knocking on my door looking for you."

"She is a very beautiful woman. I am very concerned about being able to keep my emotions under control after what happened today. I would love to see her again but I am petrified. She reminds me of Beatriz with her looks and mannerisms."

"Yes, I can see the resemblance. She will not eat you. She is an artist, she understands emotions. I would be amazed if she hasn't already got at least one sketch of you in her pad."

"My camera will enjoy focusing on her so lunch might be a good idea after all."

"It won't just be your camera." She poked him in the ribs and laughed. Dunstan blushed. "I can give you her number."

Lunch the following day was out of town at a large house. Dunstan was introduced by his high status friend to countless women and the only two other men. One, the husband of the host, Señor Cortes and the other her eldest son. Dunstan did not take to either of them. They looked down upon him, a status issue. This had not gone unnoticed by Dunstan's friend. The introductions thereafter always included his honorific. Sir Dunstan was a new role to play.

The gardens were a delight. Dunstan wandered around loving the coolness around the fountains and the shade from the yew topiary hedges. He had spoken with many of the women present. Most were married and discoursed on many topics. There were a few widows who only wanted to tell him how great their late husbands were. A few younger ones were happy to talk about other matters centred on popular culture. A few had recognised him as the saviour of their Queen with his late wife and wanted chapter and verse on the matter. They all spoke reasonable English at worst. They were a good representation of the rich population in their shapes and sizes, obesity was not present. There was a fair presentation of flesh though nothing risque was worn.

Dunstan was back circulating on the main patio, a plate of food in one hand and a glass of sparkling wine in the other. He felt a hand sneak around his left arm.

"I was hoping she would bring you here. Will you rescue me please."

"A damsel in distress. What else is a knight supposed to do?" Dunstan smiled.

"So it is true?"

"What?"

"The word going around the garden is that you are a knight, Sir Dunstan."

"The rumours are correct though the introductions were slightly deficient. It should be the Ilustrísimo Señor Muxloe or Sir Dunstan if we use all the titles. I can't see how you use them together. I tend not to use either. Dunstan is fine by me."

"Be that as it may I might have a need for the full title if I am going to have any peace this afternoon." She pinched a morsel from his plate.

"If you must." Dunstan smiled "What is distressing this damsel? Do I have to slay a dragon?"

Mencia smiled broadly. "Not a dragon, that's the mother, today's host." Dunstan nearly sprayed his wine across the guests as he fought to suppress a laugh whilst taking a drink.

"The son thinks the only reason I am here is for him. My mother has not helped by trying to be a matchmaker." She helped herself to more of his food.

"I think I can manage that. The pompous twit heading this way is the source of your distress?"

"A good description. Let me introduce you."

"We have already met."

"Yes, but I have more ammunition this time."

"Mencia, tengo comida para ti en mi mesa, por aquí." he extended his arm to show her the way.

"Carlos, may I introduce The Ilustrísimo Señor Sir Dunstan Muxloe."

Dunstan extended his hand. Carlos turned in a huff, his face red and walked off.

"Apologies for his rudeness." Mencia projected her voice. Several faces turned her way to take in the scene. She continued at the same volume, "He is physically only two years my junior. Mentally still in nappies!"

Dunstan smiled, as did all the women within earshot, he could see the red faced wimp berating his mother who was turning her head towards them, the countenance far from friendly. Those nearby were speaking a lot closer, their eyes constantly flicking to the couple. He put the plate and empty glass down. With an expansive gesture he grasped her waist and very gradually pulled her into a cinch giving her plenty of opportunity to escape his clutches if she so desired. Their faces millimetres apart, their bodies touching.

"I was going to kiss you by mistake before. May I kiss you as you?"

"Please."

Dunstan didn't need a second invitation. Sensuous and lingering, not overtly passionate. Mencia's hand caressed Dunstan's face.

"That will get the tongues wagging." She said a little breathlessly.

"Sorry, I forgot myself."

"You can forget yourself any time." Mencia looked over his shoulder "have you met my mother?"

"Not yet. But I take it she is approaching fast." Dunstan rotated to face her.

"Mother, may I introduce The Ilustrísimo Señor Sir Dunstan Muxloe." She shook his hand. "Sir Dunstan, my mother, Maria López Sanchez."

"A pleasure to meet you." Dunstan smiled at the woman and saw the tension go out of her. Whatever she had intended to say was put on the back burner with the use of his titles.

"Maria, I see you have met Dunstan." A familiar voice spoke over Dunstan's shoulder then from beside him. "He is staying with me for a few weeks. He recently lost his wife to an horrific accident. Excuse me."

"Sir Dunstan, perhaps we can invite you over to dinner whilst you are here in Spain." Maria had turned on the charm.

"Your beautiful daughter has already invited me to lunch. Dinner would be lovely too." Dunstan smiled back. Maria left them and returned to her table. The exchange noted by all.

"A glass of fizz is in order." Mencia led him to the bar.

"Are we celebrating?" Dunstan smiled when she turned to look at him. "Is my damsel no longer distressed?"

"Your damsel is no longer stressed about that annoying little pimple but now has a mother to worry about."

"Forget your mother and enjoy the bubbles. Let's walk in the garden."

"You really know how to get the gossip going. You are ruining my reputation."

"Sorry. I'm not used to this scene. We can stay on the patio if you prefer."

"No chance. Beautiful you said. We are going to the quietest spot in the garden we can find. Reputation be damned. No more mainstream, my bohemian side needs to be explored. Let me grab the bottle, we will need topping up."

Two hours later a message came through on Dunstan's phone. "Do you need a lift back to town?" They walked back to the crowd arm in arm interrupting the conversations, prompting lots more knowing looks and whispers.

"Dunstan, you have found yourself a right little minx. Darling, Dunstan has been adopted by Mencia and they have set all the tongues wagging with a kiss that was positively smoking. The put down today of the son was top quality." Her husband looked up from his book and smiled.

"She has spirit. I don't know where she gets it from. She is not like either parent. She is a breath of fresh air. It must be a first for her to chase after a man."

"Dunstan, her father might not be so impressed. He wants what he considers to be the best for his daughter even if she has different ideas. They have had spectacular spats before when she has spurned advances from what he deemed acceptable suitors. Don't rush to have dinner with them."

"Mencia wants to meet for lunch tomorrow. I need somewhere child friendly and out of the heat of the city." Dunstan was looking for assistance.

"Take her to El Pardo. You were there the day before your wedding. There are some restaurants close by. You can get into the grounds or Charles will enable a tour of the inside if that appeals. The kids will love it there. Where is Sofia?" His suggestion sounded good to Dunstan.

"Get her to drive over here. With our car you can enter anywhere plus you will have the car seats for Storm and León. She has gone to bed early as she is worn out. Looking after two under threes was too much for her."

Dunstan and Mencia walked along the path atop the dam in the bright sunshine enjoying the cooling breeze blowing across the reservoir. The walk from the palacio had taken a while but was worth it for the views they now had. Both were dressed in shorts and T-shirts, a marked difference from the suit and cocktail dress of the day before. Mencia's shorts allowed her to display an impressively long pair of tanned legs. Her capped sleeved T-shirt was tight across her moderate bust and showed off her brown arms. Dunstan was able to view the woman at his side in a relaxed way. She had her long dark blonde hair down and it rippled in the gentle breeze. She wore no makeup and radiated natural beauty with an engaging smile which was on display a lot as they conversed. In her flat shoes she was now about fifty millimetres shorter than Dunstan. When he had kissed her yesterday she had matched him in height.

Storm, who was normally reserved amongst new people, had instantly liked Mencia and was happily walking alongside holding her hand. León was asleep in the pushchair protected from the sun with Mencia's tote bag hung on the back and Dunstan's camera in the second seat and strapped in.

"This is much more relaxing than lunch yesterday." Mencia put the flapping hair strands behind her ear.

"I thought we were able to chill after the excitement."

"True. Though chill is not the word I would have used. You had me on fire and not wanting you to go, a new experience for me. Lunch with people who have an agenda is never fun. Today there is no agenda, I can totally be myself for a change. Your gorgeous kids are a delight and so are you."

"Can you relax when you work?" Dunstan filed the compliment away.

"I escape then. It does bring stress. I demand a high standard. I suppose I relax when I have finished and it is what I wanted to deliver."

"What drives you? Is it commissions?"

"Initially it was just the love of it. Now there is still a love, but commissions are playing a greater part."

"Shall we walk down from this dam and enter the trees along the river?" Dunstan was looking at Storm. Her face lit up at the prospect. She nodded.

"Storm has always loved trees. They are her happy place. The more trees the better as far as she is concerned. I have a similar feeling of calm amongst trees."

León was crawling about the grass under the trees examining twigs and seeds. Storm had worn herself out walking so was now having a nap in the pushchair. Dunstan leaned back against a trunk and watched León, he took many photos. Mencia was busy with pencil and paper. Her pad had been extracted from her bag when they stopped. She was sketching from memory. Mencia turned the page and began something new. She lay on the ground facing León and quickly got the subject down then stayed in the position to fill the details in not worrying about the ever moving little boy.

Dunstan admired her legs protruding from her shorts, firm and tanned and her delicate feet with the painted toenails freed from the shoes. This was the third occasion they had spent time together and now the longest. He was relaxed in her company as she was in his. He also recorded as much of her as was possible, adding many images to his memory card.

They returned to the car to get the cool box containing their lunch and blankets to sit upon. They went back to the trees to enjoy it. Dunstan's host had provided a decent quantity of varied tapas fit for a banquet. The white rioja was chilled to perfection. After their leisurely late picnic lunch they resumed their stroll alongside the river feeling the coolness generated by the trees. Storm was running about batteries fully recharged whilst León encouraged her loudly from the pushchair. Mencia walked close to Dunstan. The temptation to hold her was too great. Dunstan put out his hand and gradually pulled her to his side leaving his hand on her hip. She dropped her head sideways onto his shoulder. Their pace slowed. She extracted her arm and wrapped it around Dunstan's waist giving him a squeeze. They did not speak whilst they walked.

The palace loomed in front of them. They delayed returning a little longer to allow Storm and León to partake of an ice cream, a product that was consumed with vigorous pleasure. A major clean up operation was required before they could consider returning to the car.

They wandered around the jardines del parterre in front of the palacio delaying the return for as long as they could. Storm and her brother were both asleep in the pushchair having exhausted themselves. With great reluctance they met with Charles in the av. de Cervantes and climbed into the Mercedes for the short journey back to Dunstan's host. Charles had rearranged the seating with Storm now travelling alongside him in the front allowing Dunstan and Mencia to sit together.

Mencia took no persuading to stay for dinner. She sat by the pool to greet them after they had changed. Sofia was already in the water.

"Are you not joining us?" Dunstan asked.

"I have nothing to wear." She looked at Dunstan and waved a finger his way. "Don't!"

"Sofia can you find something that might fit Mencia please?" Dunstan smiled at Mencia. She left with Sofia who had draped a towel around herself.

Mencia returned without Sofia. She was clad in a very small bikini that looked familiar.

"Sofia claims to be the same size as me. I can't believe her mother lets her wear this."

"She wore that the first day we were here until her mother arrived. Not to be worn in public was the gist of the discussion."

"I agree with that."

"There is no public here."

"You are public. I am showing rather more than I had expected. Men don't tend to see anywhere near this much of me. Even my doctor is a woman."

"I am honored that you should allow me this privilege."

She lowered herself into the water and sighed as the relative coolness enveloped her. Storm splashed her way across to Mencia.

They sat around the pool enjoying the last of the day's sunshine. It was warm and additional layers had not been added.

"Did Sofia provide that for you to wear?" The body belonging to the voice appeared carrying three glasses of wine.

"She said she had nothing else that would fit me." Mencia responded.

"I think I had better have a word with her. You look stunning in it but that is not the point. She knows where my costumes are. I have plenty that would fit and cover a lot more of you."

"It's too late now. Dunstan has seen what is on show. I didn't hear him complain." She swung her eyes Dunstan's way.

"I have restrained from getting my camera out. The subject is very appealing but I would prefer her to be more comfortable with me before capturing the image."

"He has told me that he takes photographs. I might pose for him some day if I am feeling brave." Mencia smiled at Dunstan.

"He does take photographs. I have a memory stick full of them." She walked back to the house. She returned with the wine bottle and a tablet with the memory stick protruding. She handed it to Mencia and topped up the glasses.

Mencia started to peruse. She made some interesting noises very early on. "He has captured you very well. Your fan base would love these. The leggy beauty I take it was your wife?"

"Yes, that is Beatriz. He is very good. They stay private. He asked me if he could enter a competition with one and I agreed. That has not been seen on the internet. You can bare your soul without worry."

"It isn't my soul he wants to bare." They all laughed and Mencia gave Dunstan a chaste kiss.

Mencia arrived for their day out and joined Dunstan for breakfast. She had a bigger tote bag as well as a small holdall.

"I brought my own swimwear selection."

Storm and León were a little subdued after their busy day. With some food inside them they came to life and were ready for the next adventure.

They climbed into the large seven seater Mercedes and Charles, the driver, took them out of the city to the Roman city of Complutum. Storm had never seen anything like it and was fascinated as she was taken through the various elements. After a long walk around the site they found a suitable place for lunch complete with a small playground which was a big hit. Storm had a wonderful time playing with the local children, her Spanish was good enough that she was taken for a local. The other mothers assumed Mencia to be her mother, something no one corrected and something Mencia enjoyed thoroughly. Dunstan kept León amused by pushing him on a swing and getting him to the top of the slide. The mothers were a little unsure about Dunstan with his poor Spanish though León won their hearts. Mencia had a treat in store for the rest of the afternoon.

Charles drove them to a remote location north of the city. There was a sign at the entrance but Dunstan did not understand what it said. From what he saw a few minutes later he was guessing at a stud or racing stable. The car pulled up outside a C shaped stable block. From half of the thirty doors horses heads could be seen watching the goings on.

"We are here." Mencia climbed out and then helped Storm out into the yard. Dunstan came round the car with León. He had seen the animals and was wriggling to be free. This was not somewhere to put him down.

A woman left a box and joined them in the yard. She had a polo shirt and jodhpurs above her riding boots. Her hair was loose and messy. Her build was the opposite of Mencia's. Where Mencia was blonde, tall and slim she was dark, short and round. She had a hug with Mencia. They walked off to the office where they had a long chat. When Mencia returned she was wearing a pair of jodhpurs and riding boots, Mencia turned to Dunstan as the woman walked off to get the horses.

"Have you ridden before?"

"Never."

"You are going to love it. Storm and León will ride special saddles in front of the guides and will be in harnesses. You and I will be riding as normal. I often ride out here to help out so I have ridden half of these beauties. I will be on a seventeen hand thoroughbred stallion if that means anything to you, he is my favourite to ride. You will have the owner's sixteen hand hunter mare. She is a safe ride and very docile unless you know what you are doing. Storm and León will be on fifteen hand thoroughbred mares with their normal grooms. Let's get mounted."

"I hope you know what you are doing because I haven't a clue."

Mencia kissed Dunstan. "Sorry, I shouldn't have done that, but I couldn't stop myself. It is all your fault. Trust me."

"That's fine. You can repeat it whenever you like. Lead me to my beast."

They climbed aboard and sat and watched the grooms get comfortable before first Storm and then León were handed up and made secure. Storm was waving at them. León had too many things to look at to be bothered about anyone else. He could just reach the mane and was gently running his fingers through it. The grooms set off at a walk from the yard onto a track initially in single file. As the track became wider they rode two abreast. Mencia coached Dunstan on how to sit and hold the reins. They picked up speed and broke into a trot. Dunstan found this uncomfortable despite following the detailed instructions and watching Mencia. They climbed out of the valley and onto the plateau where the horses were encouraged to canter. Mencia stood in her stirrups and encouraged Dunstan to follow suit. This was more to his liking. Mencia was not finished. She got a wave from the leading groom and kicked on. Dunstan's mount just followed. They galloped, passing the other two horses. Mencia brought the charge to a halt two miles down the track. She was puffing which made Dunstan feel better. They walked the horses back towards the oncoming pair who were still at a canter. They walked in a circle to rest the horses. Storm was grinning and León waving at Dunstan, a huge smile on his little face.

Mencia was last to the pool. She carried a bottle of wine in a cooler and two glasses. Sofia was feeding the monsters and had promised to give them a bath and read them stories to allow Dunstan and Mencia to chat.

Mencia had brought her own swimsuit. With the T-shirt removed it was revealed. A one piece with sides cut high over the hips and a plunge down the front to her navel. It was white and very thin. She was keeping very little secret.

"I have never worn this swimsuit before. It is a tan through one. It was an impulse purchase online which I did not return. I thought it very sexy but have never had the confidence to wear it before. As you can see I have no secrets from you, a first for any of my relationships in the first week. You might not be keeping secrets from me but you have a lot of history I think I should know about. We will not be disturbed. If we get hungry you can get the plate from the fridge."

Mencia sat beside Dunstan on his sun lounger. "Make room."

Dunstan shuffled across.

"I might have to give you the highlights if you were expecting to sleep tonight."

Mencia thought about his statement.

"I want to hear it all."

"I want you to know it all. It's three years of history and very intense in places. It has extreme highs and lows. Why don't I tell you the present situation here and now. There is a secret place on the coast which would make the perfect location to give you the whole tale. We could be alone and undisturbed. Storm and León would love it. You could sketch to your heart's content whilst I deliver a surprising narrative."

"I was so looking forward to haciendo el amor tonight. Do you mean you are making me wait?"

"If it is not happening until the story is complete then it wasn't happening tonight nor in the morning."

"Wait a minute. Give me your glass." Mencia put the glasses on the adjacent table and lowered the backrest on the lounger. She lay on her side and pulled Dunstan to her. "Tell me what is going on."

Dunstan slipped an arm under her neck and rested his other hand on her hip. He flexed his fingers. She felt good, very good. He lingered savouring her skin under his finger tips.

"Come on, don't delay or you will have to remove your hand and that will make me very unhappy." She smiled. Dunstan leant in and kissed her gently. He gathered his thoughts.

"Beatriz, my late wife, was a Spanish army General who worked for NATO. She came to live with me in England for this posting and brought her mother and grandmother with her. During the previous period we had put a family consisting of a brother and his two younger sisters in jail for various misdemeanours. The last sister to be captured had kidnapped Beatriz and I helped to free her before the capture. All three of them suffered bullet wounds with lasting effects. With them locked up we thought it was all over. Ines, Beatriz's grandmother, was killed in a hit and run in the town centre with Isabel, her mother, a near miss. Isabel was murdered a few months later. Her car was pushed out at a junction into passing traffic. A review of information held suggested that there might be more members of the same family. Two more in fact. The brother was believed to have a son as was the nastier of the sisters. One was believed to be operating in Spain and the other in England. A lot more digging gathered this data. Beatriz was murdered when a lorry squashed her car into the back of another lorry. I was invited out here for a holiday after her funeral and the rest you know. The two sons are still loose. They are behind the attacks without a doubt. That covers the now."

"What I want to know is how our host fits into all of this. How has she come to be in your life?" Mencia stoked Dunstan's face.

"I bet you do. That bit of the story is under embargo. To tell you I have to get her permission first. I didn't tell her husband when I saw him in London with his friend. I told them both that my lips were sealed until she said I could speak on the matter. It's no different to the photos. She chose to show you. I have lots more but those were the best. There is one thing that is common knowledge. I saved her from an assassination attempt at the Prado with Beatriz's help. Unfortunately it was all over the news. It caused a big commotion when we went home."

Mencia moved and managed to refill their glasses without leaving Dunstan's side. She gave him a sly smile as she returned to her position.

"I know you want to and you know I want you to. Do it!"

Dunstan took a mouthful of wine and regarded her. He swallowed and lowered his head. His cold lips sent her over the edge. She writhed in his grasp.

"Tu bastardo. That is not what I meant." Mencia said, panting.

"You liked it though you can't deny that." Dunstan smiled.

She smiled at him then kissed him. "That was what I was talking about. And yes, I did, very much."

Dunstan emptied his glass and put it on the floor. He kissed Mencia gently, inflaming her nerve endings. She pulled his head in for a far more passionate kiss.

"When can we get to this secret location?"

"I need to sort out a car. I hope it is still around doing nothing. Then load the bags and the people. We buy some food when we get close and then live away from the world for as long as necessary."

"Can you arrange the car now?"

"I can try. It's not that late."

"Do it."

Dunstan and Mencia were dropped off at the garage by Charles in a small BMW. Dunstan drove Mencia to her home to pack a suitcase in a brand new Range Rover Evoque with little more than delivery mileage on the clock. He stayed in the car and watched the world go by. He was looking for something untoward. A motorcycle where the rider was reading a newspaper looked odd in this street. A car with two men both wearing sunglasses and baseball caps. A large van with the same styled occupants. He had trouble.

"Charles, I have three bogeys waiting for me. I am at Mencia's parents' apartment. Don't know the address but it's pretty central."

"Are you in the suped Range Rover?"

"It's a diesel Evoque."

"That is good enough. Head north toward the stadium. I will get a car to meet you."

Dunstan watched the targets as Mencia left the block carrying a suitcase and opened the rear door to drop it in. She slid in beside him and he was moving before the door was shut. He sprinted for the corner and turned right. He hoped it was north.

"Is this the right way to estadio santiago bernabeu?"

"Yes. Why are we going there?"

"To meet a car who will shadow us. We have possibly three bad guys on our tail."

Dunstan started to dance through the traffic. The motorcycle was able to follow. The van was not in sight but the car was though many places back. They were making rapid progress up Calle De Joaquin Costa. Mencia had programmed the satnav and it told Dunstan to take an immediate right. The motorcycle was in the wrong lane and unable to change in time. The route they were following meant they were going to approach the stadium from the east. Dunstan could see the car closing on him. He was forced to slow for the exit. The car was right behind. Dunstan was ready to avoid a possible ram. The way cleared and the Evoque leapt forward evading a kiss from the Mondeo. The way ahead was free for speedy manoeuvres. Suddenly Dunstan saw the van closing. A car flying off in a bizarre direction had caught his eye. The van was clearing a path by brute force. Dunstan was having to stop in traffic at a junction. The van came on relentlessly with nothing between them. At the last second Dunstan pulled off right up onto the pavement managing to avoid the pedestrians. The van could not make such a deviation and slammed into the car in front which created a chain reaction such was the force applied.

Dunstan got back onto the road and resumed his journey constantly looking for problems. The road opened up and he could see the motorway. The M607 was a playground. Dunstan could not see a tail. He was very aware that they knew his destination. He followed the instructions and soon found himself on the rural road to his host's house. There was a car behind him. A large silver Range Rover. It kept on station one hundred metres back. Dunstan wound the speed up to have some fun with them, knowing that they must be friends not foe. The little car opened up the gap until it was maintained at twice the distance. They turned into the drive and found Charles waiting for them. Dunstan put the car in the garage and got out.

"They had a couple of attempts in the city."

"We saw them on CCTV. The pavement driving was neat. We can escort you off the premises when you are ready. No one has tried to gain access. They are not that foolish."

"Thanks Charles. I will get the kids and the luggage."

Mencia helped with Storm whilst Dunstan carried León. The car seats had been installed in their absence. The luggage was standing beside the car delivered by invisible hands. With a couple of attempts Dunstan eventually found a solution that was going to work. Thankfully there was a bathroom in the garage so they could all get comfortable before setting off. Sofia arrived carrying a bag of goodies.

"We thought you might get hungry." She gave the bag to Mencia.

"Thank your mother for everything she has done. Make sure she gets my note. I will be in touch with her. I am sorry to miss her and your father leaving in such a rush. Thank you for everything you have done for Storm and León."

Dunstan stopped the car by the shack. The sand had moved a little but not too much that they could not get in. It would take a few hours to shift, it was a little worse than the big storm. Mencia was having the same thoughts as Dunstan had when he first encountered the dwelling. Storm was having a wonderful time running about the dune. León was crawling as fast as he could to keep up. Dunstan shed his clothes and put on his trunks. Mencia watched.

"This is it? We all sleep in the same bed?"

"This is it. León and Storm will sleep on the floor on a pile of blankets."

"We share the bed!"

"Don't you trust yourself?"

She flung herself at him and they ended up in a heap in the bed.

"You are grossly overdressed." Dunstan helped her off with her T-shirt. Whilst she freed her hair he unbuttoned her shorts and lowered the zip. She started to squirm. Dunstan pushed her on her back and stripped her shorts off her legs.

"That's better!" He smiled at her. She flew at him. He gathered her in and kissed her. The fight went out of her. He unfastened her bra and pulled it free whilst still kissing her. She crushed her chest against his and moaned. It was only when he broke the kiss it dawned on her what he had done. She covered herself whilst looking for the last item removed. Storm entered.

"Can we go for a swim?" She asked.

"Yes. take your clothes off. Mencia is ready." He got a fierce stare for that.

Storm took no time at all. She held her hand out to Mencia. Reluctantly Mencia climbed off the bed and took her hand. She uncovered her chest and stuck out her tongue at Dunstan who laughed. He collected the clothes and made a tidy pile before scooping up León and walking to the surf with him. He was parted from his clothes at the wet sand mark.

Storm was loving the waves and jumping into them. Mencia was realising that her white knickers were suffering from the same flaw as the swimsuit. She turned her back on Dunstan whilst playing with Storm. Dunstan and León crept up on Mencia and hugged her. She squealed. León laughed. She turned on him and tickled him, making him laugh more. Dunstan retaliated for León and tickled Mencia. She squirmed and tried to break free before going for Dunstan. He let her do her worst. He turned her away from Storm and placed his hand on her chest. She moaned.

"Play fair." She managed to get out between moans. He kissed her. She responded before breaking away and falling in the surf. Storm helped her up. They walked back to the hut.

Dunstan wrapped León in a towel and handed one to Storm. Mencia helped her get dry. Dunstan walked up behind Mencia and lowered her knickers to the floor. She uttered a suppressed shriek. Dunstan began to rub her rump and legs dry. He moved up and attacked her back whilst she finished Storm. He handed her the towel to complete the job. He removed his trunks and got dry. He hung the wet items on the line. Mencia watched him walk around naked completely at ease. She found confidence from somewhere and hung her towel up.

"Would you like a drink?" Dunstan was rummaging in the bag from Sofia. He pulled out a bottle of red wine and two fruit juice cartons. He gave Mencia the wine and went in search of a bottle opener and glasses. He gave the items to her then brought two chairs outside. He disappeared once more and returned with a folded table. With a little force he managed to get it level in the sand. Mencia proceeded to open the wine and pour some into two glasses. She sat down pulling a face.

"You get used to it." Dunstan said with a smile.

"You have obviously been like this before." Mencia made it clear what she meant.

"Yes. It will feature as a chapter in the story."

"I hope you write quickly."

"I had not considered that. We could be here quite a while. The sun tans will be good."

"Does the beach get busy?"

"I was here off peak and didn't see anyone except Beatriz. Anyone hungry?"

Dunstan grabbed the bag and took out the remaining items, putting them on the table. He let the gannets dive in. The scraps Mencia had. Dunstan was happy to go without.

They closed up and settled in for the night. Dunstan lay and listened to the sound of people sleeping. He turned onto his side facing away from Mencia. He felt her turn over and get comfortable. She put her arm over him and pulled herself close. He felt her thigh on his. She kissed his neck and fell asleep. Minutes later he was too.

Dunstan spent over two hours after breakfast writing on the laptop. Mencia worked on her sketches whilst Storm and León built sand castles or drew pictures. The four of them then went to the sea and played and swam. During the first week they saw no one. The afternoons slowed down. A sleep for the little ones whilst the adults repeated the morning activities. More group playing followed with food finishing the day as the sun set. Early to bed early to rise. Due to the increased potential for beach goers, Saturday was a day for dressing and going shopping. Sunday had no structure giving freedom for whatever the weather allowed.

"You have been writing for a week. Are you nearly finished?" Mencia was draped over his back as he typed. She was acclimatised to not wearing clothes now.

"No. I haven't got out of the first tale. There are at least three. Quite a few more weeks I think."

"I have been thinking. Perhaps I can relax the rules and take little steps with each tale you complete." Mencia kissed his neck.

"That is an interesting development. Who decides what is available at each stage?"

Mencia thought about this whilst playing with his nipples.

"Maybe we can agree together."

"And is that just once or an ongoing situation until the next tale is finished and we up the ante?" Dunstan was pushing her gently.

"Ongoing. If it is taking a week or more to finish a tale then ongoing is what I would prefer." Mencia blushed. Dunstan smiled.

"I think for the first tale we can explore each other with our hands." Dunstan kissed her and stroked her cheek.

Mencia was flushed. "I can agree to that."

Dunstan smiled. "And the second tale? Oral?"

Mencia nodded, not trusting her voice.

Dunstan pushed his luck. "Of course the third tale is what you have been thinking of for a while."

"Yes."

"In which case I have finished the third tale."

"Let me read."

"Don't we celebrate first and then you can read?"

"No. I need to read first."

" A compromise. You read and I distract you?"

"You distract me already. Have you seen my recent sketches! I'm not sure I could put them in an exhibition. Hang on. You said you are still writing the first tale and it would be weeks until the whole story is told. How have you changed it so that three tales have been told? Are you just trying to get into my pants?"

"If you were wearing any. I had an idea about restructuring the story into a lot more tales. Maybe sixty or more. How many positions are there in the kama sutra?"

Mencia jumped on Dunstan and tried to strangle him. It was not long before she became distracted and her resolve weakened but didn't completely crumble.

She finally allowed Dunstan to capture her image on his camera. He had been doing this for a while though all candid shots. She looked through the results and acknowledged that Dunstan had never broken her trust. All of his images were tasteful if a little risque at times. She got him to download a couple and send them to her phone, she planned to create sketches from them. From then on they often spent the evenings recording one another with the setting sun to light the scene. Dunstan loved the images he made of a naked Mencia sketching or consuming a glass of wine, bathed in the warm glow of a sunset.

Dunstan was writing a saga. Words flowed from him as he recreated the events of the last few years. Even in the restricted hours he worked, over five thousand words a day hit the page. Mencia was keen to read what he had written and occasionally read over his shoulder. She kept encouraging him and the file grew rapidly in size. After ten weeks it was at a quarter of a million words and almost up to date. Dunstan had reached a point where he needed something to happen to bring this to a conclusion. His narrative just petered out. He saved the file to a memory stick and drove into town to a printer. They created a thick document of over five hundred pages which he gave to Mencia. She spent her evenings reading and making notations on the pages. Dunstan kept the wine flowing.

There were times when Mencia would put the document down and seek out Dunstan. She would wrap herself around him and cry or kiss him passionately. She hadn't reached the end of the story but had succumbed to her desires. Dunstan was learning more about the exceptionally passionate woman he was living with.

She put the document down and sipped her wine looking out into the distance. Dunstan left her to her thoughts. She got up and came and sat on his lap. She snuggled in even though it was warm.

"We need to find a way to close this off. You can't keep living like this. We can't keep living like this. It is not fair on anyone."

"I agree. I saw you making notes. Do I need to revisit the script?"

"Not much. Some were just observations on what it was doing to me and are private between us. There are a few words and phrases I didn't understand and some grammatical errors in your Spanish. I did like the way you used the two languages. You are very fair about me so I can only guess that you are the same with the others."

"I will make a start tomorrow. If we allow two weeks for the corrections and rewrites we can make plans to return to civilisation. Start slimming down so that everything fits in the car. The two little monsters are bigger and might object more to being cramped for seven hours or more."

"You have written about your relationship with Beatriz and the journey the two of you took both physically and mentally. Thank you for the insight. I have only experienced a tiny fraction of what the pair of you went through. I can see the legacy she has left in you." Mencia kissed him and let the tears flow. "Thank you for letting me in."

"Thank you for being there. You have been a great comfort. You have given me enough space to be me whilst being completely supportive."

"I have to be completely honest with you."

"Go on."

"The first time we met wasn't an accident. Your best friend at the time thought that you had not been grieving properly and needed some help. She called me at the last moment and got me to come along. She told me what to wear and how to style my hair. She said to keep the makeup simple and most important to wear that perfume." Dunstan was looking at her open mouthed. "I was coached on when and where to make my appearance. I was not with the party from the outset. I came into that specific room because you had such strong memories of it. I was appalled at what I did to you. I never meant to hurt you so bad. I was desperate to make you feel better. I was not supposed to be there at the end of the tour, my role was over. The kiss to make up, which was my idea, did all manner of things to me that I have never experienced before. Then you know what happened. When you kissed me on the patio I could have kissed you all afternoon regardless of who was watching. Apart from our first contact nothing else was fake. My feelings for you are not fake. My desire to live with you is real. My longing to have children with you is very real, I have no idea where that urge has come from. Don't have bad thoughts about her. She was only doing what she thought was in your best interest."

Dunstan kissed her sensuously, sending goosebumps across her skin. She broke away breathless and tingling.

"I am amazed how a few women understand me and the rest have no clue. I feel no ill feelings towards her. If hubby will allow, I will give her a big hug and kiss when I next see her. As for you? I think you know what your punishment is. Did you say four babies?"

"If it's four you had better stop talking."